It is often said that the measure of a teacher is not in the lectures they give, but in the lives they shape. Dr Desmond Mathye, a former Extraordinary Lecturer (contract ended in April 2025) in the Department of Physiotherapy and President of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), has reached a remarkable milestone by successfully supervising multiple Master’s and PhD students to completion. Achieving this feat without a tenured position or salary reflects his dedication, passion, and belief in the transformative power of education. This accomplishment highlights not only Dr Mathye’s personal commitment but also the Department of Physiotherapy’s growing capacity, academic credibility, and its vital role in shaping the next generation of leaders in the field.

“This milestone is deeply personal to me,” Dr Mathye says. “Every postgraduate student that I have successfully supervised to completion at this university was under my guidance while I held no tenured position and received no salary. That makes this achievement even more meaningful; it reflects a commitment driven purely by passion, dedication, and a belief in the transformative power of education. As a clinician, consistently producing at this level in the academic space is both humbling and fulfilling. For the Department, this represents more than just an increase in postgraduate throughput; it is a testament to the Department’s growing capacity, academic credibility, and its role in shaping the next generation of leaders in physiotherapy.”

The Department’s strength in postgraduate supervision is evident in the unique mix of faculty guiding students. “It sends a powerful message to prospective postgraduate students that our supervision and research capacity extends far beyond what is visible on the website. Although our permanent staff represent a wealth of expertise, we also draw on a broader network of highly accomplished ‘extraordinary lecturers,’ experienced academics and professionals who may not appear on the official staff list, but bring world-class knowledge, research experience and industry experience. This combination ensures that postgraduate students are guided by a rich diversity of perspectives, expertise, and mentorship that few institutions can match.”

Two exemplary research projects illustrate the impact of the Department. Raldah Manganye’s Master’s research examined the experiences of unemployed physiotherapists after completing community service. Her study highlighted personal and professional challenges, including financial difficulties, mental health struggles, loss of clinical skills, and limited career opportunities. Although some participants found positive personal development and more family time, most faced uncertainty about their futures. The study calls for urgent measures such as strategic workforce planning, increased funding for public-sector positions, better preparation for private practice, and stronger support from professional bodies.

Dr Ebenzer Addo's PhD research focused on osteoarthritis in Ghana, a condition projected to increase sevenfold by 2030. The study revealed that most of the patients relied primarily on pain medication, with little access to structured rehabilitation. By engaging clinicians, educators, and patients, Addo identified significant gaps in training, clinical practice, and collaboration. From this work, he developed Ghana’s first interprofessional rehabilitation programme for osteoarthritis, uniting physiotherapists, doctors, surgeons, and occupational therapists to deliver evidence-based, patient-centred care. If implemented, this programme could transform treatment approaches, reducing disability, improving quality of life, and reducing the reliance on costly drugs and surgeries.

“These graduates have stood out precisely because their journey was anything but conventional,” Dr Mathye explains. “They were enrolled in pure research degrees without the structure of coursework or formal classes. They relied on their own initiative, critical reading, and continuous engagement with their supervisor. I witnessed their transformation first-hand—from early concept papers to navigate rigorous dissertation and thesis writing, examination, and corrections. What sets them apart is not only their academic perseverance, but the mastery of research and critical thinking they have cultivated. These skills transcend academia, enabling them to analyse, solve problems, and innovate in any professional or societal context. Excellence is not taught in lectures; it is forged through discipline, curiosity, and intellectual resilience.”

Dr Mathye finds supervising these students personally rewarding. “The most fulfilling aspect has been seeing their remarkable transformation. Seeing where they started and how far they have grown is like watching your own child progress through life’s milestones. Beyond personal satisfaction, it has been a meaningful way of giving back to the profession of physiotherapy. Guiding the next generation is not just supervision; it is a legacy of love and commitment to the discipline.”

The journey has not been without obstacles. Dr Mathye points out challenges with certain examiners who failed to meet their professional responsibilities. “Moments of discouragement for students are part of the research journey, but what I consider truly problematic is that examiners who have formally agreed to examine fail to fulfil that duty. Some did not even notify the University of their unavailability. Others exceeded the agreed six-week assessment period without justification. Such conduct is unprofessional, prejudicial to students, and contrary to ethical standards. It undermines the examination process and delays student’ graduation, affecting their career progression. Academic freedom must be balanced with academic responsibility, and when duty is neglected, students, the most vulnerable stakeholders, bear the brunt.”

The research outputs of Manganye and Addo have significant practical implications. “Manganye’s study exposes the crisis of unemployed physiotherapists in South Africa, calling for urgent workforce planning and equitable labour policies. Addo’s PhD introduces Ghana’s first interprofessional rehabilitation programme for osteoarthritis, promoting collaborative, evidence-based patient care. Collectively, their research demonstrates how physiotherapy scholarship can shape policy, strengthen education, and transform healthcare systems to be patient-centred and responsive to national needs.”

This work is closely aligned with the mission of the Faculty of Health Sciences’ to produce globally relevant and locally impactful research. “Manganye’s work addresses South Africa’s physiotherapy employment crisis with evidence-based solutions, while Addo’s programme provides a model that can benefit many low- and middle-income countries. Together, they show that our faculty produces research that strengthens health systems, informs policy, and improves lives beyond our borders.”

Dr Mathye emphasises that his regulatory role at the HPCSA informs his academic rigour. “While my position does not create preferential opportunities for students, it has instilled a solid commitment to legality, due process, and adherence to norms. I bring the same discipline to supervision, ensuring rigour, proper procedure, and ethical standards. Though sometimes seen as ‘strict,’ this approach upholds integrity, consistency, and credibility in scholarly work.”

Looking ahead, Dr Mathye hopes that Manganye and Addo will continue to advance their professions and the communities they serve. “Their research is not merely academic, it has direct implications for policy, clinical practice, and education. I hope they build on this foundation as thought leaders, innovators, and advocates for evidence-based practice.”

The Department of Physiotherapy continues to nurture new postgraduate talent. Dr Mathye is currently co-supervising another PhD at UP and supervising a candidate from another institution expected to graduate in September. These ongoing projects aim to strengthen evidence-based physiotherapy, advance scholarship, and produce research that bridges academia, clinical practice, and policy, ensuring meaningful contributions to health systems locally and globally.